‘Govt. more interested in self-image than justice’ – Opposition says on Dharamlall rape matter

Jul 06, 2023 News

Kaieteur News – The political Opposition, A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) yesterday reacted to the President Irfaan Ali statement on the resignation of Nigel Dharamlall, from his ministerial post at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and as a member of Cabinet.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

President Irfaan Ali

In their statement, the Opposition underscored that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government is more interested in self-image than justice.

On Tuesday evening, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed that with the 16-year-old girl withdrawing her rape allegation against Dharamlall, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack, SC in her legal advice to the Police stated that in the absence of the complaint, “there is no legal provision for the Police to proceed with the matter”. As such, the rape case against Dharamlall was dropped.

Hours after, President Ali announced that Dharamlall has resigned from his post as a minister and Member of Parliament (MP). President Ali said, “… Minister Dharamlall has advised that he will tender his resignation as the interest of the government is important to him and he will not want anyone to bring the government into disrepute.” “I’ve, therefore, accepted his resignation as a Cabinet Member and a Member of Parliament,” Ali said on his Official Facebook Page.

Nigel Dharamlall

In reaction to the statement by the president, the Opposition said, “We find Ali’s statement to be shameless, pathetic, callous, and unacceptable. Irfaan Ali expressed no remorse or sympathy towards the unfortunate (allege) victim of his now ex-Minister…He expressed no empathy for the feelings of the masses of Guyanese who experienced, and continue to experience, shock and moral outrage over the injustice…”

APNU said that instead, President Ali sole concern was the image of his government.

“The PPP is not interested in justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The PPP is instead bent on putting its self-interest above the human and constitutional rights and welfare of our children, women, and citizenry as a whole,” it was further stated.

Moreover, the Opposition called on citizens to not let their memories and sense of moral outrage fade over these acts of atrocities by the PPP.

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Aubrey Norton, inistry of Local Government and Regional Development, Leader of the Opposition, matter, Nigel Dharamlall

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